The primary function of
the Risk Management Department is to assist all members of
the University community - faculty, staff, students, and
visitors - in providing safe and healthy conditions for
work, research, and study. The Risk Management staff alone
cannot make the University a safe place. Safety begins in
the workplace: in the labs, shops, offices, and dorms where
we work and live. It is the responsibility of every employee
and student at the University to use common sense and to
look out for his or her safety and the safety of others.

Health and safety
programs deal with risk. While there is no such thing as
"zero risk," the University's health and safety
programs are designed to minimize unreasonable risks through
sound, common sense practices. There are many federal,
state, and local laws, regulations, and standards which have
been promulgated to protect the health and safety of
workers, students, and the environment. Part of the job of
Risk Management is to help departments and individuals
comply with these laws. Risk Management staff keeps
abreast of these laws and translates them into health and
safety practices and programs which fit into the unique
requirements of the University as a teaching and research
institution.

The following
policies and guidelines are provided to assist you in providing a safe
working environment:

Additional
information on University
Safety Policies can be found in the Handbook for Faculty
and Staff. Other, departmental specific, policies
and guidelines are generated and enforced by individual
departments. The Risk Management Department will
assist any department in the development of necessary
policies.